During a press conference, a high rank officer said that "the IG has deployed the IRT and anti-terrorism squad to Edo from Force headquarters. But security agencies should have taken preemptive measures by deploying armed agents around stations."

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, had earlier said that efforts were underway to rescue the abductees “We will give necessary support to Edo State Police Command and Railway Police Command on the rescue of the abducted victims; efforts are being intensified to rescue them and arrest the culprits,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the police anti-terrorism squad had met on Monday to strategize about how to rescue train passengers.

The Edo state police spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor, said he could not confirm whether or not the allegations were true.

However, Chris Nehikhare, the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation,  said six victims had been rescued so far. He added that efforts were ongoing to rescue 26 people still trapped with the abductors.

In a statement, the commissioner noted that Governor Godwin Obaseki had given directives for criminals to be arrested.

He said that two other kidnappers, who were not connected with the hostage-takers in this case, had been caught and would help police investigate further.

The statement read, “Following the directive from Governor Godwin Obaseki that the kidnappers that attacked the train in Igueben on Saturday be smoked out of their hiding and the persons abducted be rescued, we are happy to announce that six persons have been rescued.

“The six persons are: a 65-year-old man, a nursing mother and her baby, a six-year-old girl and two siblings; aged two and five years old.

“We commend the efforts of the rescue team in the bushes and their support staff that have been working tirelessly since the incident occurred to ensure the kidnapped passengers are rescued and reunited with their families.

“We are confident that the other victims will be rescued soon as the highly motivated security personnel are in high spirits and have doubled down on the hot chase of the kidnappers.’’

“As events unfold in the bushes, be assured that we will keep you posted and we crave the support of all stakeholders, particularly the media, to stay with the facts and avoid sensational reports that could further inflict emotional pain on the families and friends of the victims who are already in distress. Operation Bush Combing continues,” Nehikhare added.